Dentists in California can register to assist with the state's response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to the California Dental Association.
California law allows scope and licensure flexibility amid emergencies. Dentists can determine the level at which they wish to volunteer, such as with the Medical Reserve Corps, with the California Medical Assistance Team, at a county level or on a single-event basis.
Dentists can help by taking vital signs, conducting COVID-19 testing, triaging patients, providing local anesthesia and suturing, administering oxygen, administering vaccinations and writing prescriptions, among other things. Oral surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists can intubate and provide deep sedation/general anesthesia services.
Hospitals and local emergency authorities are also asking for personal protective equipment donations.
Dentists can register here.